Sanchit Patel Will Represent India at IJSO 2026:Sanchit Patel, a student from Bihar, has achieved a remarkable feat by being selected to represent India at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2026. This accomplishment, announced by Physics Wallah, marks a significant milestone for both Sanchit and the nation's aspirations for a Gold medal. His journey underscores the dedication required to excel in competitive science Olympiads and provides valuable insights for aspiring students.
Also Read: INO 2026 Topper List

Pramod Sir, from Physics Wallah, announced that Sanchit Patel will represent India at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IGSCO) 2026. Sanchit, a student from Bihar, has brought international recognition to Physics Wallah (PW) through his selection. This achievement is seen as a significant step towards India winning a Gold medal in the competition.
Sanchit's journey began when a senior introduced him to Olympiads, expanding his awareness beyond SOF Olympiads to more prestigious government-conducted competitions.
School: Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Betia branch, West Champaran District, Bihar.
Initial Motivation: With only one remaining chance for top-tier Olympiads, his motivation to succeed was high.
Early Experience: In November 2024, as an 8th grader, he attempted a 2023 INPhO (Indian National Physics Olympiad) paper but found it challenging.
Learning Resources: He initially used recorded videos on the Olympia Wala YouTube channel before joining paid batches on January 4, 2025.
Sanchit’s progression through the Olympiad selection process involved several rigorous stages:
NSCJS (National Standard Examination in Junior Science) Exam: This exam was organised at the PDC (Physics Wallah Doubt Clearing) in Kota. Successful qualification led to selection for the IGSO camp.
IGSO (Indian Junior Science Olympiad) PDC: After qualifying for NSCJS, he attended the IGSO PDC.
OCSC (Orientation-cum-Selection Camp): Held at the IISC (Indian Institute of Science) campus, this camp involved rigorous tests and experiments. During felicitation, Sanchit was among the six students selected for the Indian team to represent India in the Junior Science Olympiad, described as being at the top among them.
Sanchit attributes his success primarily to hard work, emphasising that the effort required varies for each student to reach the necessary level. He acknowledges that luck factors can play a role, particularly in group experiments during the OCSC camp. He cited an experience where a non-supportive group negatively impacted his performance despite individual efforts. However, his consistent success in clearing multiple Olympiad stages (NSCJS, IGSO, OCSC) demonstrates the paramount importance of his hard work and talent.
Sanchit offers practical advice for students aiming for Olympiads:
Strong Basics: Start with a strong foundation in 9th and 10th-grade board-level concepts.
Online Resources: YouTube channels, especially the Olympia Wala channel, are valuable starting points. Affordable paid batches are also available.
Managing School Studies: Effectively manage school curriculum alongside Olympiad preparation, completing homework and studying subjects like English and Hindi in school.
Exam Participation: Students should always take exams, even if not fully prepared, for valuable experience.
Minimum Time Commitment: A serious student can start preparing for NSCJS now and succeed in the November attempt, as it depends on individual effort.
Sanchit provided insights into how Olympiad preparation benefits students aiming for JEE and NEET:
NEET Advantage: Reaching the level of IGSO or attempting INJSO (Indian National Junior Science Olympiad) provides exposure to Physics, Chemistry, and Biology "far above" the NEET level.
JEE Advantage: While Biology is not directly relevant for JEE, the Physics and Chemistry preparation for INJSO significantly develops conceptual thinking and an approach to problem-solving. Advancing to OCSC, students also learn to experimentally verify theoretical concepts. He confirms being able to solve questions from NSCC, NSCP, and JEE Advanced.
Sanchit's father emphasised the importance of goal setting:
Self-Assessment: An individual knows themselves best, followed by parents and family.
Capacity-Based Goals: Goals should be set based on individual capacity.
Total Dedication: Once a goal is set, dedicate everything to achieving it.
Guidance and Platform: Seek out a platform and a mentor. Online platforms like Physics Wallah are beneficial for those with financial constraints, time scarcity, or geographical limitations. YouTube's recorded videos can help clear initial levels (like NSCJS First Level) even without paid batches.
Teachers highlighted Sanchit's dedication and resilience:
Laboratory Work: He spent hours in the lab, keen to learn experiments with the team, often refusing to rest.
Resilience: During the OCSC camp, despite having a fever of 102-103°F two days before final selection, he insisted on continuing preparation the next day.
Time Management: He successfully managed school and Olympiad preparation, even finding time for mobile gaming.
Early Start for JEE/NEET: An early start in Olympiads provides a significant advantage for those aspiring to high ranks in JEE or NEET, as it instills the mindset of achieving Air 1 (All India Rank 1).
Physics Wallah is launching a new batch for NSECJS + HSCS (Homi Bhabha Science Education Scholars Exam), named in honor of Sanchit's achievement.
| Comparative Structure: NSECJS vs. HSS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | NSECJS (National Standard Examination in Junior Science) | HSCS (Homi Bhabha Science Education Scholars Exam) |
| Objective | Aims for selection to the International Olympiads. | Generally, for students who cannot take NSECJS due to age limits or other reasons. |
| Subjects | Focuses on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. | Includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. |
| Age/Class | Has an age limit. | Open to Class 9th and 10th students. |
| Significance | Gateway to prestigious international competitions. | Last year, 20 out of 125 students selected for the national camp were from Olympiad Wala. |
Price: ₹2499.
Lectures: Fresh, new recorded lectures based on the NSECJS and HSCS syllabus, allowing flexible learning pace.
Practice & Doubt Solving: Live practice sessions and live doubt-solving support are provided weekly.
Schedule: 15 classes per week (two classes one day, three classes another).
Content: Olympiad-focused content.
Selection Opportunity: Good performance in this batch can lead to selection for the NSCJS Qualifier batch for further intensive practice.
PW provides Olympiad exam content, including Olympiad Exams Updates, sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today in the Olympiad Online Batches for preparation.